How to Use an Image to PES Converter for Embroidery

Ever looked at a cool logo, a hand-drawn sketch, or a digital design and thought, “This would look amazing embroidered!”? Well, you’re not alone. Turning an image into an embroidered masterpiece is easier than you might think—especially with the right tools. If you own a Brother embroidery machine (or any machine that reads PES files), converting your favorite images into stitch-ready designs is totally doable, even if you’re a beginner.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the entire process of using an image to PES converter so you can start stitching your custom designs in no time. No complicated jargon, no overwhelming steps—just a straightforward, easy-to-follow method to get your artwork from screen to fabric.

Why Convert an Image to PES?

First things first—why PES? PES (which stands for PE Design Stitch) is the default file format for Brother embroidery machines, one of the most popular brands for home and small business embroiderers. When you convert an image to a PES file, you’re essentially translating pixels into stitches so your machine knows exactly where to sew.

The best part? You don’t need to be a professional digitizer to do this. With the right software (some of which are free!), you can turn almost any image into an embroidered design. Whether it’s a company logo, a family photo turned into a silhouette, or even your kid’s doodle, the process is pretty much the same.

What You’ll Need

Before jumping in, make sure you have these essentials:

A High-Quality Image – The cleaner the image, the better the embroidery. Simple, bold designs with clear lines work best.
Image-to-PES Converter Software – Options include SewArt, Ink/Stitch, Embrilliance, or MyEditor. Some are free, while others are paid with more features.
An Embroidery Machine – Preferably a Brother machine (since PES is its native format), but other machines can use PES too.
Basic Knowledge of Your Software – Don’t worry, we’ll cover the basics!

Now, let’s get into the step-by-step process.

Step 1: Choose the Right Image

Not all images are created equal when it comes to embroidery. Here’s what to look for:

Simple, Clean Lines – Detailed photos with gradients or tiny elements won’t translate well. Stick to bold, high-contrast designs.
Minimal Shading – Embroidery works best with solid colors, not subtle blends.
Good Resolution – Blurry or pixelated images lead to messy stitches.

If your image is too complex, use a photo editor (like Photoshop or even free tools like GIMP or Canva) to simplify it. Convert it to black and white, adjust the contrast, or trace the outlines to make it more embroidery-friendly.

Step 2: Pick Your Conversion Software

There are several ways to convert an image to PES, depending on your budget and skill level. Here are the best options:

Free Option: Ink/Stitch (Plugin for Inkscape)

Great for vector-based designs.
Requires a bit of a learning curve but powerful once you get the hang of it.

Budget-Friendly: SewArt

Simple auto-digitizing software.
Good for beginners who want a quick conversion.

Professional Option: Embrilliance or PE Design

More control over stitch types and density.
Ideal for advanced users or small businesses.

For this guide, we’ll focus on SewArt since it’s beginner-friendly and gets the job done without too much hassle.

Step 3: Import and Digitize Your Image

Open SewArt and import your image (File > Open).
Use the Auto-Digitize Feature – Most image-to-PES converters have an automatic tracing tool. In SewArt, click “Auto-Digitize” and let the software do its magic.
Adjust the Settings – Play with:
- Stitch Type (Running stitch for outlines, Fill stitch for solid areas).
- Stitch Density (Higher density = more stitches, better coverage).
- Underlay (Helps stabilize the fabric—especially important for stretchy materials).

If parts of the design look messy, you can manually clean them up by deleting extra stitch points or adjusting the paths.

Step 4: Fine-Tune the Design

Auto-digitizing isn’t always perfect, so you might need to tweak a few things:

Remove Unnecessary Stitches – Sometimes, the software adds too many stitches in small areas, which can cause thread breaks. Simplify where needed.
Check for Gaps – If parts of the design look sparse, increase the stitch density.
Test Different Stitch Angles – For fill areas, changing the stitch direction can make the design look smoother.

Pro Tip: If your design has text, make sure the letters are connected properly—some fonts don’t digitize well!

Step 5: Export as a PES File

Once you’re happy with the digitized version:

Click File > Save As.
Select PES as the file format.
Choose the right hoop size (match it to your machine’s embroidery area).
Save the file to a USB drive or transfer it directly to your machine.

Step 6: Test Stitch Before Final Use

Never skip this step! Always do a test run on scrap fabric to check:

Thread Tension – Too loose or too tight? Adjust your machine settings.
Stitch Alignment – Are all parts of the design lining up correctly?
Fabric Puckering – If the fabric bunches up, you might need a better stabilizer.

If something’s off, go back to your software and make adjustments before stitching the final piece.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Design Too Small? Enlarge it before digitizing—tiny details may get lost in stitching.
Thread Breaks? Reduce stitch density or use a stronger thread.
Blurry Stitches? Your original image might have been low-resolution—start with a clearer file next time.

Final Thoughts

Converting an image to a PES file opens up endless possibilities for custom embroidery. Whether you’re personalizing gifts, creating merch for a small business, or just experimenting with new crafts, this skill is super handy.

The best part? The more you practice, the better your digitizing will get. Start with simple designs, learn the software’s quirks, and soon you’ll be turning any image into a stitched masterpiece.

Got a favorite image you’ve turned into embroidery? Share your results—we’d love to see what you create! Happy stitching!